Big Wind Is A Big Win In Iowa

How Iowa Became the Nation’s Leader in Wind Energy; Even though Iowa is typically associated with red state politics, everyone there seems to agree that wind power makes economic sense for one of the windiest states in the country.

Kim Eckart, May 2, 2016 (Yes! Magazine)

“…[Iowa has become] the national leader in the percentage of electricity generated from wind. Nationwide, about 4 percent of electricity is generated from wind—a fraction of what Iowa generates…The state is typically considered conservative, but Iowa’s rise to the top in wind energy is a story of bipartisan cooperation, of a broad effort among industry, lawmakers, farmers, and environmentalists to embrace the potential of a renewable resource. It’s a story that ends where it begins: with the people…In the early 1980s, electricity rates were increasing…[and rising debts forced farmers to give up their land, and small towns withered...With no significant oil or natural-gas interests to stand in the way, Democrats and Republicans [passed renewables mandate]…Solar never took off, and hydro projects proved difficult to execute. And so Iowa, one of the windiest states in the country, where windmills are part of its heritage, cultivated an industry. Over time, utility giants such as MidAmerican Energy jumped in the game, as did municipalities, schools, and farms…” click here for more

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